Accessory item carrying device

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a carrier apparatus and more specifically, to a shoulder strap, harness, or tool belt for carrying accessory items. In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is fashioned as a tool belt or accessory sling that provides for hands free carrying of accessory items and is suitable for persons that need to use at least one hand or arm for other activities. The apparatus is designed to carry at least one (easily accessible) accessory item such as a tool or device attachment. The apparatus includes a main strap that is adjustable to provide customized sizing.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from Provisional Application No.60/891,652, filed Feb. 26, 2007, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to a carrier apparatus and more specifically, toa shoulder strap, harness, or tool belt for carrying accessory items.

2. Description of Related Art

It is imperative that we surround ourselves with equipment that isversatile, effective, and efficient. There are no carrying devices thataddress the needs of a new mother and permit hands free accessibility.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes these and other deficiencies of theprior art by providing a carrier apparatus that can be worn ordisplayed, over head, around waist, or over at least one shoulder and iscomprised of attachments for carrying accessory items that provideconvenience functions.

In an embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is fashioned as a toolbelt or accessory sling that provides for hands free carrying ofaccessory items and is suitable for persons that need to use at leastone hand or arm for other activities. The apparatus is designed to carryat least one (easily accessible) accessory item such as a tool or deviceattachment. The apparatus includes a main strap that is adjustable toprovide customized sizing.

In another embodiment of the invention, an accessory carrying devicecomprises: a main strap, a base strap attached to the main strap, one ormore accessory loops attached to the main strap, and an accessory baseattached to the main strap or the base strap, wherein the accessory baseincludes an affixed single loop slide release buckle. The main strap maybe adjustable in length. The base strap may be affixed to an end of themain strap. The device may further comprise a loop for affixing the basestrap to the end of the main strap, wherein the base strap and the endof the main strap form an angle of less than 90 degrees. The device mayfurther comprise a detachable single loop slide release buckle, whereinthe affixed single loop slide release buckle comprises a firstfemale/male connector, and wherein the detachable single loop sliderelease buckle comprises a second male/female connector opposite to thefirst female/male connector. The device may further comprise a cordholder coupled to the second male/female connector, a cord coupled tothe cord holder, and a cord lock disposed on the cord. The device mayfurther comprise a ring accessory coupled to the second male/femaleconnector, and a ring coupled to the ring accessory. The device mayfurther comprise a bag coupled to the second male/female connector. Thedevice may further comprise a third strap coupled to the main strap,wherein the third strap includes a hook and a loop.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, an accessory carrying devicecomprises: a shoulder strap, wherein one end of the shoulder strap isattached to an other end of the should strap, thereby forming an angleof less than 90 degrees, one or more accessory loops attached to themain strap, and an accessory base attached to the should strap, whereinthe accessory base includes an affixed single loop slide release buckle.The shoulder strap may be adjustable in length. The device may furthercomprise a detachable single loop slide release buckle, wherein theaffixed single loop slide release buckle comprises a first female/maleconnector, and wherein the detachable single loop slide release bucklecomprises a second male/female connector opposite to the firstfemale/male connector. The device may further comprise a cord holdercoupled to the second male/female connector, a cord coupled to the cordholder, and a cord lock disposed on the cord. The device may furthercomprise a ring accessory coupled to the second male/female connector,and a ring coupled to the ring accessory. The device may furthercomprise a bag coupled to the second male/female connector. The devicemay further comprise a third strap coupled to the shoulder strap,wherein the third strap includes a hook and a loop.

Bottled beverages including child spill-proof cups and baby bottles canbe used with this device. The added functions of this device allow forhands free carrying in today's society where the need for convenience iscrucial. Utilizing this device alleviates many of the stressors thatcome along with traveling/moving from one area to another. Having abeverage, keys, and other attachments available assists with keepingtrack of personal items and keeps them secure within arms reach.

This lightweight device can be used for shopping trips, walks, sportingevents, as well as various other indoor and outdoor activities. It canbe used for both for day to day activities, vacations, or for specialevents. For example, the present invention can be used to carry variousaccessories at theme parks, during dog/pet walking, sporting events,camping, hiking, yard duty, life guarding, gardening, fishing, coaching,grocery/window shopping, walking, recreational bike riding, school,work, beach/outdoor activities/festivities, roller blading, cleaning thehouse, skate boarding, hunting/fishing, or golfing.

The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, willbe apparent from the following, more particular description of thepreferred embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, andthe claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objectsand advantages thereof, reference is now made to the followingdescriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates a carrier apparatus according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a pacifier strap coupled to the carrier apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a slide buckle coupled to the carrier apparatusaccording to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates two single loop slide release buckles coupled to thebase carrier apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a bottle bag that may be coupled to the carrierapparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a stitched attaching means for holding smalldevices/objects according to an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates a carrier apparatus according to an embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Further features and advantages of the invention, as well as thestructure and operation of various embodiments of the invention, aredescribed in detail below with reference to the accompanying FIGS. 1-7,wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. The embodimentsof the invention are described in the context of a carrier apparatusthat can be worn or displayed, over head, around waist, or over at leastone shoulder and comprises one or more attachments for carryingaccessory items that provide convenience functions for the user, whichmay be a mother or child chaperone. Nonetheless, one of ordinary skillin the art readily recognizes that the carrier apparatus is useful forcarrying suitable accessory items and not just those found useful by amother or child chaperone.

The carrier apparatus is particularly useful for mothers and childchaperones who desire to carry a number of accessory items at hand'sreach, while maintaining at least one free hand for other purposes. Thecarrier apparatus includes a number of attaching means, described indetail below, for attaching accessory items such as, but not limited to:a pacifier; a cell phone; drinking devices such as baby bottles, waterbottles, and juice boxes; blue tooth or wireless ear piece; PDA/pocketorganizer; i-pod/mp3 player; portable gaming/movie device; wirelessremote; ear phones; multi-tool case; hand held radio; hand held GPS;walkie talkie; camera; charms/fashion accessories/embellishments;fishing lures; flashlight; sunglasses or sunglasses case; sun block/sunscreen; hand sanitizer; knife sheath; toys; baby rattle; teethingring/teether; burp clothes; diapering accessories; keys/key ring;measuring tape; tissue package; cigarette pouch; lighter; small sewingkit; bubble/chewing gum package; photo holder; garage door opener; handwipes; counter; attach gloves; mace; pepper spray; pedometer;dog/disposable bags; timer; (safety or recess) whistle; watch; chapstick; pen; id badge; thumb drive; carabineer; and hunting/sportinglicenses.

FIG. 1 illustrates a carrier apparatus 100 according to an embodiment ofthe invention. The carrier apparatus 100 comprises a main strap A and abase strap B. One end of the base strap B is sewn to one of end the mainstrap A. The other end of the base strap B is affixed to the main strapA through a plastic loop J, thereby permitting the main strap A to beadjustable in length through a slide buckle I. In an alternativeembodiment, the base strap B, plastic loop J, and slide buckle I may beomitted by sewing each end of main strap A together with one another.

In an embodiment of the invention, the carrier apparatus 100 furthercomprises one or more accessory loops C for hanging items such as cellphones, burp clothes, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the accessoryloops C are fashioned from sewing a piece of fabric or webbing to themain strap A.

In an embodiment of the invention, the carrier apparatus 100 furtherincludes an accessory base D sewn to the main strap A. The accessorybase D includes a single loop slide release buckle (female) M forconnecting a detachable single loop slide release buckle (male) O. In anexemplary embodiment, the buckle O can be attached to a cord bottleholder F, which includes a cord lock L and a cord K.

In another embodiment of the invention, the carrier apparatus 100further includes an accessory base E sewn to the main strap A. Theaccessory base E includes a single loop slide release buckle (female) Nfor connecting a detachable single loop slide release buckle (male) P.In an exemplary embodiment, the buckle P can be attached to a key ringaccessory G, which includes a key ring Q.

As illustrated, the accessory base D and E can be disposed at the baseof the main strap A. However, one of ordinary skill in the artrecognizes the accessory bases D and E may be disposed at any locationon main strap A. Alternatively, one of accessory bases D and E may beomitted, or similar accessory bases may be added in addition toaccessory bases D and E. Moreover, buckle P may be coupled to accessorybase D and buckle O may be coupled to accessory E. Accessory bases D andE may also be coupled to other single loop slide release buckles (male)having additional accessories such as, but not limited to a bottle bagT. Other exemplary accessories (not shown) that may be coupled to thebuckles O or P are an insulated beverage holder; a non-insulatedbeverage holder; a battery operated heated beverage holder; a coveredbeverage holder; a change pouch/wallet/purse holder; a book/journalholder; a CD/DVD case; an office supply holder; a decorative pouch/bag;a medication organizer; a fishing pole/fly rod base; a dog waste bagholder; a multipurpose knife/multi-tool sheath; a cordless drillholster; a small tool bag for holding screws, nails, drill bits; a snackholder; a binocular case; a first aid kit; a small make-up case; a dogleash; and an umbrella holder. In an alternative embodiment of theinvention, accessory base D may be a metal ring for sliding through orclipping on other attachments.

A strap H is attached to the main strap A in another embodiment of theinvention. In an exemplary embodiment, the strap H includes a Velcrohook R and a Velcro loop S for attaching accessory items such as but notlimited to a pacifier; a timer; a safety or recess whistle; a watch; lipbalm; a pen; an ID badge; a fishing/sporting/hunting license; a ski liftticket; a thumb drive; a flashlight; a carabineer; a wrap around fishingpole/fly rod to stabilize pole/rod while tying on new lure/fly; and abell.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the main strap A may befashioned to include (not shown) a cushioned comfort strap; a metal ringfor attaching (clipping) objects; a carabineer for attaching (clipping)objects; a pocket for storage of money or small card shaped items (e.g.,credit card, ATM card, drivers license, or membership card); or anycombination thereof.

Table I lists exemplary materials, lengths, and sizes of the variouscomponents A-T of the carrier apparatus. Webbing of varying weights andwidths can be used and can comprise materials such as, but not limitedto cotton, vinyl, polypropylene, nylon, polyester, elastic, linen,rayon, jute, acrylic, hemp, wool, leather, or any combination thereof.In an alternative embodiment of the invention, fabric and/or areflective material can also be used instead of webbing.

Although various components of the carrier apparatus 100 have beendescribed as being sewn together, one of ordinary skill in the artrecognizes that other affixing techniques may be used place of sewingsuch as but not limited to: Velcro, adhesives, rivets, snaps, melting(hot iron/melting device), clips, fasteners, buttons, tape, staples,magnetic strips, or any combination thereof. The implementation of theseaffixing techniques is readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in theart.

FIGS. 2-7 display various photographs taken of the carrier apparatus 100according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

The invention has been described herein using specific embodiments forthe purposes of illustration only. It will be readily apparent to one ofordinary skill in the art, however, that the principles of the inventioncan be embodied in other ways. Therefore, the invention should not beregarded as being limited in scope to the specific embodimentsdisclosed.

TABLE 1 ELEMENT NOMENCLATURE SUPPLIES SIZE LENGTH DESCRIPTION A MAINSTRAP WEBBING 1½″  60″  SEWN TO “B” TO FORM TAPERED END AND RAN THRUELEMENTS WOVEN THRU ELEMENT “I”, RAN THRU “J” AND SECURED TO CENTER BARON “I” B SIMPLE LOOP WEBBING 1½″  5″ RAN THRU “J” AND SEWN TO BASE STRAP“A” TO FORM TAPERED END C ACCESSORY WEBBING ¾″ 10″  SEWN “A” ½″ LOOPSABOVE CREATING 3-2″ LOOPS AND 1-4″ LOOP FOR HANGING ITEMS SUCH AS CELLPHONES, BURP CLOTHES, ETC D ACCESSORY WEBBING ¾″ 4″ RAN THRU “M” ANDSEWN TO BASE “A” AT TAPERED END E ACCESSORY WEBBING ¾″ 4″ RAN THRU “N”AND SEWN TO BASE “A” 3″ ABOVE “D” F CORD BOTTLE WEBBING ¾″ 4″ RAN THRU“O” AND SEWN TOGETHER HOLDER WITH “K” TO FORM BOTTLE HOLDER G KEY RINGWEBBING ¾″   4.5″ RAN THRU “P” AN“Q” WITH ACCESSORY ENDS SEWN TOGETHERIN MIDDLE H PACIFIER ELASTIC ½″ 8″ SEWN TO “A” 4½″ ABOVE “C”, STRAPWEBBING USED TO HOLD PACIFIER I SLIDE BUCKLE SINGLE 1½″  N/A USED TOADJUST LENGTH OF “A” TO BAR SLIDE ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT SIZED BUCKLEUSERS J LOOP SIMPLE LOOP 1½″  N/A “A” AND “B” ARE LOOPED THRU AND MAKESLENGTH OF “A” ADJUSTABLE. K SEE “F” CORD ⅛″ 10″  RUN THRU “L” ANDATTACHED TO “F”, USED TO HOLD BOTTLES AND PERSONAL EFFECTS FROM ¼″ TO 4″IN DIAMETER L SEE “K” CORD LOCK ⅛″ N/A FOR ADJUSTING “K” TO FIT BOTTLEDIAMETER M SEE “D” SINGLE LOOP ¾″ N/A ATTACHED TO “A” AND USED A BASESLIDE RELEASE FOR BOTTLE HOLDING ATTACHMENT BUCKLE (FEMALE) N SEE “E”SINGLE LOOP ¾″ N/A ATTACHED TO “A” AND USED AS SLIDE RELEASE BASE FORKEY RING ATTACHMENT BUCKLE (FEMALE) O SEE “F” SINGLE LOOP ¾″ N/A MALEEND ONLY USED FOR ATTACHING SLIDE RELEASE ACCESSORIES TO “M” BUCKLE(MALE) P SEE “G” SINGLE LOOP ¾″ N/A MALE END ONLY USED FOR ATTACHINGSLIDE RELEASE ACCESSORIES TO “N” BUCKLE (MALE) Q SEE “G” KEY RING  1″N/A ATTACHED TO ELEMENT “F” AND USED TO HOLD KEYS R SEE “H” VELCRO(HOOK) ½″ 1″ ATTACHED TO ELEMENT “H” AND USED TO SECURE A PACIFIER S SEE“H” VELCRO (LOOP) ½″ 1″ ATTACHED TO ELEMENT “H” AND USED TO SECURE APACIFIER T BOTTLE BAG MATERIAL TBD TBD OPTIONAL INSULATED BOTTLE BAG

1. An accessory carrying device comprising: a main strap, a base strapattached to said main strap, one or more accessory loops attached tosaid main strap, and an accessory base attached to said main strap orsaid base strap, wherein said accessory base includes an affixed singleloop slide release buckle.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said mainstrap is adjustable in length.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein saidbase strap is affixed to an end of said main strap.
 4. The device ofclaim 3, further comprising a loop for affixing said base strap to saidend of said main strap, wherein said base strap and said end of saidmain strap form an angle of less than 90 degrees.
 5. The device of claim1, further comprising a detachable single loop slide release buckle. 6.The device of claim 5, wherein said affixed single loop slide releasebuckle comprises a first female/male connector, and wherein saiddetachable single loop slide release buckle comprises a secondmale/female connector opposite to said first female/male connector. 7.The device of claim 6, further comprising: a cord holder coupled to saidsecond male/female connector, a cord coupled to said cord holder, and acord lock disposed on said cord.
 8. The device of claim 6, furthercomprising: a ring accessory coupled to said second male/femaleconnector, and a ring coupled to said ring accessory.
 9. The device ofclaim 6, further comprising: a bag coupled to said second male/femaleconnector.
 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising a third strapcoupled to said main strap, wherein said third strap includes a hook anda loop.
 11. An accessory carrying device comprising: a shoulder strap,wherein one end of said shoulder strap is attached to an other end ofsaid should strap, thereby forming an angle of less than 90 degrees, oneor more accessory loops attached to said main strap, and an accessorybase attached to said should strap, wherein said accessory base includesan affixed single loop slide release buckle.
 12. The device of claim 11,wherein said shoulder strap is adjustable in length.
 13. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising a detachable single loop slide releasebuckle.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein said affixed single loopslide release buckle comprises a first female/male connector, andwherein said detachable single loop slide release buckle comprises asecond male/female connector opposite to said first female/maleconnector.
 15. The device of claim 14, further comprising: a cord holdercoupled to said second male/female connector, a cord coupled to saidcord holder, and a cord lock disposed on said cord.
 16. The device ofclaim 14, further comprising: a ring accessory coupled to said secondmale/female connector, and a ring coupled to said ring accessory. 17.The device of claim 14, further comprising: a bag coupled to said secondmale/female connector.
 18. The device of claim 1, further comprising athird strap coupled to said shoulder strap, wherein said third strapincludes a hook and a loop.